Job Description

Location: San Diego, CA

Seniority Level: Scientist (Mid-level)

Employment Type: Full-time

About OliX Pharmaceuticals

OliX Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing next-generation RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics. Founded in 2010 and now publicly traded in Korea, our vision is to be recognized as a pioneer in next-generation nucleic acid medicines, combining advanced science with global partnerships.

At the heart of OliX’s innovation is our proprietary asymmetric siRNA (asiRNA) platform, which enables precise, durable gene silencing with minimized off-target effects. Building on this foundation, we have developed specialized delivery platforms:

• GalNAc-asiRNA for liver-targeted therapies
• cp-asiRNA for local delivery in skin, eye, and lung indications

This broad technology base allows OliX to pursue undruggable targets and expand across multiple therapeutic areas, from metabolic disease to dermatology, ophthalmology, and fibrosis.

Our clinical pipeline is advancing rapidly:

• OLX75016 – in Phase I for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and liver fibrosis, partnered with Eli Lilly
• OLX72021 – completed Phase I in androgenetic alopecia (hair loss), demonstrating strong safety
• OLX10212 – in Phase I for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the U.S., with promising early data

To accelerate innovation, OliX has forged strategic global partnerships. In 2025, we entered a worldwide collaboration with Eli Lilly to advance cardiometabolic RNAi programs, and a multi-year exclusive research partnership with L’Oréal to pioneer RNAi solutions for skin and hair regeneration. In addition, OliX maintains an active licensing collaboration with Hansoh Pharmaceutical in China, focused on developing GalNAc-asiRNA-based medicines for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Together, these alliances, supported by grant-backed programs and institutional stability, provide a strong foundation for growth and discovery.

By joining OliX, you will become part of a company where cutting-edge RNAi science, small-molecule innovation, and global collaboration intersect—all aimed at creating transformative therapies for patients worldwide.

Job Summary

OliX is seeking a Scientist I/II, Medicinal Chemistry to lead small-molecule design and synthesis in support of our expanding RNAi therapeutic pipeline. The successful candidate will focus on creating novel small molecules—including delivery enhancers, conjugation partners, and pharmacological modulators—that complement and advance OliX’s RNAi medicines.

This role offers the opportunity to apply classical medicinal chemistry expertise in a cutting-edge environment, directly contributing to discovery and clinical programs arising from partnerships with Eli Lilly, L’Oréal, and Hansoh Pharmaceutical.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and synthesize novel small molecules to support RNAi therapeutic development, including delivery enhancers, conjugation partners, and pharmacological modulators
• Execute synthetic strategies for nucleoside and nucleotide building blocks
• Develop innovative bio-conjugation strategies linking RNAi molecules with small molecules or peptides
• Perform advanced analytical characterization (UHPLC, LC/MS, NMR, UV-Vis)
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation
• Document research results in SOPs, batch records, technical reports, and presentations
• Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams spanning medicinal chemistry, RNAi chemistry, and biology
• Maintain safe and efficient laboratory operations

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, or a related field (0–3 years of postdoctoral or industry experience), or M.S. with 5+ years of relevant small-molecule industry experience
• Strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and small-molecule drug design
• Demonstrated ability to apply medicinal chemistry principles to optimize molecules for potency, selectivity, and ADME properties
• Proficiency with analytical methods (UHPLC, LC/MS, NMR, UV-Vis)
• Excellent record-keeping, communication, and teamwork skills
• Experience drafting SOPs or batch records is a plus

Why Join OliX?

At OliX, you will contribute to programs that sit at the intersection of small-molecule medicinal chemistry and RNAi therapeutics, helping to shape the next generation of RNA medicines. With active Phase I clinical programs, global partnerships with Eli Lilly, L’Oréal, and Hansoh, and strong grant and institutional support, OliX offers a secure, collaborative, and innovation-driven environment where your work will directly impact future therapies for patients worldwide.

We also provide a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Base salary range of $85,000 – $145,000 (depending on experience and qualifications)
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid year-end company shutdown and generous holiday time off
• Stock option grants
• Collaborative lab environment with opportunities for professional growth

Job Tags

Full time, Local area, Worldwide,

Similar Jobs